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O.J. Simpson

Before his run-ins with the law, O.J. Simpson was a well respected and accomplished NFL running back. After his retirement, he successfully transitioned to an acting career appearing in multiple commercials and movies. His off-field success aided the popularity of O.J. Simpson cards and autographed memorabilia. And then his reputation would be forever tarnished after being arrested for the murder of his ex-wife, Nicole Brown Simpson, and Ronald Goldman.

O.J. Simpson's rookie card is in 1970 Topps Football. He has a Glossy insert in the set as well. Other sets with Simpson include 1970 Topps Supers, an over0sized set, and 1970 Kellogg's Football.

Simpson's first certified autograph can be found in the 1989 Goal Line Art card set. The card is serial numbered to 100 copies. He also has an autographed card in 1991 Pro Line Portraits. However, his most notorious card is likely the 1994 Signature Rookies Tetrad Autograph, which was signed by Simpson in prison as he awaited trial.

To date, Simpson has not had a memorabilia card produced.

O.J. Simpson's autographed memorabilia took a downward turn following his highly publicized trial in the mid 1990s. Simpson is a former Heisman Trophy winner and was the first NFL player to rush for 2,000 yards in a season. Collectors of those two niches are still willing to pay for O.J.'s signature.

O.J. Simpson Rookie Card

One of the key cards in the 1970 Topps Football set, Simpson's rookie card, at one point in time, carried a significant premium. Collectors building the set in a specific graded condition are still willing to pay top dollar for the card. That said, with Simpson's name tarnished, it doesn't carry nearly the clout it once did.

O.J. Simpson Autographed Memorabilia Buying Guide

Below you will find an example of what O.J. Simpson's authentic signature looks like. This can be used as a first point of reference for determining the legitimacy of autograph memorabilia, but is not a substitute for having your items authenticated by a well-respected professional autograph authentication company. Some of the trusted sources within the sports memorabilia market include the following companies: PSA, JSA, Tristar, and Mounted Memories. Click on any of the images below to view full size photos.

O.J. Simpson Cut Signature Exemplar:

O.J. Simpson Key Signature Attributes: An authentic O.J. Simpson signature autograph is very difficult to replicate and will exhibit several distinguishing characteristics. Smith's signature has been very consistent through the years, so regardless of the item being signed or the time period in which it was signed, look for the following signature features:

O.J. Simpson Signature Characteristics

The entire signature is legible. Certain letters have fluctuated in style over the years. As a whole the signature is very consistent.

The "O" and the "J" are almost always separated by periods.

Depending on the pen being used, the "J" may have an open loop on the top as seen above.

The "S" is larger than all the other letters and is formed in a way, with big swoops on the top and bottom, that make it resemble a numeral "8."

Rob Bertrand | E-Mail Author | Rob is a former member of The Cardboard Connection Writing Staff and co-host of Cardboard Connection Radio.He is an avid collector with over 20 years of active experience in the hobby.